Embark on a thrilling private Jeep tour of the Badlands with Open-Top-Tours. Discover hidden gems, encounter wildlife, and learn fascinating history from expert local guides. Book now!
Embark on a thrilling private Jeep tour of the Badlands with Open-Top-Tours. Discover hidden gems, encounter wildlife, and learn fascinating history from expert local guides. Book now!
- Sheep Mountain Table Road - Sheep Mountain Table is a hidden gem, not frequented by many visitors compared to other areas in the National Park. It is situated near the renowned Stronghold Table (Ghost Dance). Nestled in a unique and secluded spot between the North and South Units, it boasts rich Lakota and Homesteading history and offers stunning…
- Sheep Mountain Table Road - Sheep Mountain Table is a hidden gem, not frequented by many visitors compared to other areas in the National Park. It is situated near the renowned Stronghold Table (Ghost Dance). Nestled in a unique and secluded spot between the North and South Units, it boasts rich Lakota and Homesteading history and offers stunning views of the Badlands and distant Black Hills.
The road is safe when dry, but Sheep Mountain Table may be inaccessible if the road is wet.
“Sheep Mountain Table Road is a dirt road that should not be driven during or after storms. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, even in dry conditions.” - National Park Service
- Scenic - Once a bustling railroad stop with hotels, banks, and bars, it is now an empty ghost town.
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center - The main facility in the North Unit of the park, where you can interact with rangers, explore museum exhibits, visit the Fossil Preparation Lab, and browse the Badlands Natural History Association bookstore.
- Fossil Exhibit Trail - A fully accessible boardwalk featuring fossil replicas and exhibits of extinct creatures that once lived in the area. The trail is just 0.25 miles long and takes you through 75 million years of history and the animals that once inhabited this land.
- Yellow Mounds Overlook - These uniquely colored mounds are the result of an ancient sea draining away and chemicals from decaying plants turning the soil yellow, making for a great photo opportunity.
- Pinnacles Overlook - The highest overlook on the Badlands Loop Road, offering some of the most panoramic views. It showcases the vast Sage Creek Wilderness area. On clear days, the Black Hills are visible on the horizon, and you might spot bison in the distance. This overlook is also a popular gathering spot for Bighorn sheep and a lambing area for them in late April to early May, so you might see lambs navigating the rocky slopes of the Badlands.
- Roberts Prairie Dog Town - First, we stop at the Sage Creek Overlook, which many consider the best view in the Park.
Next, we visit the largest prairie-dog town in the accessible areas of Badlands National Park. Besides the mounds of dirt where the prairie dogs live, you’ll likely notice their high-pitched squeaks and noises. Prairie dogs provide habitat for around 200 animal and plant species, so keep an eye out for other wildlife at this pulloff.
- Sage Creek Wilderness Area - A less traveled area of Badlands National Park with unique scenery and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, bison, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs. This area is one of the oldest in the Park, where most of the badlands formations have eroded away, revealing underlying Cretaceous sediments that are more suitable for grassland soil development. Due to the presence of Sage Creek, you will find abundant wildlife, including bison, sheep, antelope, deer, and more. The roads are less developed but manageable for our Jeep Gladiators.

- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- 2-6 guests per Jeep, larger groups available
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Alcoholic beverages
- Lunch
- 2-6 guests per Jeep, larger groups available
- Gratuities Not Included
- Gratuities Not Included
During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mt. Rushmore remain open and accessible to visitors, although all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are halted. The impact can vary depending on the specifics of the shutdown, but past events offer a clear precedent for what to anticipate.
Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors, such…
During a government shutdown, Badlands and Mt. Rushmore remain open and accessible to visitors, although all services provided by the National Park Service (NPS) are halted. The impact can vary depending on the specifics of the shutdown, but past events offer a clear precedent for what to anticipate.
Concessionaire operations: Third-party vendors, such as Xanterra, who manage facilities like restaurants and gift shops, may continue to operate and offer limited services, including restrooms. These privately-run services are not impacted by the government shutdown.
State funding: In previous shutdowns, the state of South Dakota and private donors have contributed funds to keep the memorial open and restore some services. During a 2023 budget standoff, South Dakota officials reached an agreement with the NPS to keep certain areas open.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.